Several secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo and Ago-Iwoye areas of Ogun State have been affected by a fresh outbreak of offensive gas odour, leaving multiple students hospitalised.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday morning, marks the fourth such occurrence this year. Among the affected institutions were Anglican Girls Grammar School in Obalende, Ijebu-Ode, including its public and private sections, and Ijebu-Igbo Girls Grammar School.
According to reports, several students were taken to general hospitals in Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu-Igbo for medical treatment. In Ago-Iwoye, the unpleasant odour disrupted academic activities, forcing some schools to shut down unexpectedly and send students home.
The incident sparked panic, with parents and teachers rushing to hospitals to check on the condition of their children and students under their care.
When contacted, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Orensaya, confirmed the incident, saying the government is on top of the situation.
However, the General Manager Ogun State Environmental Agency, OGEPA, Kehinde Bello, who was on ground to assess the situation in Ijebu-Ode and Ijebu-Igbo, disclosed that the latest occurrence was linked to underground gas emissions previously recorded in Ijebu-Ode since April 2026.
Bello said investigations indicated it was a natural occurrence linked to geological and tectonic fault lines, not sabotage or a pipeline leak, and advised exposed residents to cover their noses with wet handkerchiefs.
He urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the affected students were expected to recover after receiving medical attention.
He also advised residents exposed to the odour to cover their noses and mouths with wet handkerchiefs rather than wear nose masks.
Medical personnel were attending to affected students at the general hospitals as of the time of filing this report.
Recall that the gas emission crisis started in early April 2026 at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, OLAS, Ijebu-Ode, when about 30 students and teachers were hospitalised after inhaling a strange gaseous substance shortly after morning assembly.
Governor Dapo Abiodun had ordered the immediate closure of the school while investigations continued, with subsequent outbreaks recorded in May and June affecting Anglican Girls Grammar School.
